a modern traditional green tiled bathroom (with a last minute sink pivot)

Home Decor

A Modern Traditional Green Tiled Bathroom (With A Last Minute Sink Pivot)

Drescription

Well, well, well…I do believe this is the last bathroom of my brother’s river house, and likely the one that gets seen the most by guests. I have an order of favorites, for sure, but this one seems to be the reigning #1 (I’m partial to the primary myself, but perhaps that’s because I’m middle-aged and love an at-home spa experience – I mean, they have a sauna inside the bathroom). This one has a punch and a pattern, and a lot of green (go Ducks!). Green tiled bathrooms for the win.

We chose the tile back when Max and I were both working on this project, and that man also loves a big green tile moment. I mean who doesn’t love a good green tiled bathroom. We worked with Ann Sacks, which has extremely good colors and really solid tile. Max felt really strongly about this tile and wanted it staggered as a 4″ square. I wanted it stacked as a rectangle, and somewhere along the line, it ended up staggered as a rectangle. I honestly don’t remember who is responsible for what anymore! But it turned out so great, and it’s pretty beloved in the home.

A Big Pivot…

I do remember that at one point, Ken and Max chose this big double faucet-ed wall-hung farm sink from Kohler that I objectively love, but as the house came together, it started to feel like it didn’t belong here. Katie felt the same. So with conflicting design visions, we looked for other options.

We had to make decisions quickly as the subs were working hard on all the bathrooms at the same time. So we played around with what we had on hand, which was a leftover wall-hung drawer vanity (seen above) that felt oddly big. But that’s when Gretchen has the idea of using our leftover tile to tile a smaller version of that wall-hung vanity.

So JP and his crews built a box for an inset sink, with the vision to tile overtop of it, keeping the look of the wall tile and running the same way. We taped it out, making sure that it worked with the plumbing that was already behind the tiled wall, while also ensuring that it was the right scale for this bathroom. It was a risk, and a last-minute one on the bathroom that the most people would see and near the end of a long project…

We ordered the faucet from Kohler, and I was so relieved that it turned out pretty darn great. Still unexpected in the house, but now that it’s fully decorated, the pattern of the wallpaper and the colorful tile work so well together. The pendants were bought from Schoolhouse Electric – modern yet traditional and on the affordable side.

On Choosing The Wallpaper

This bathroom is big for a powder bath and dark (no natural light), and just painting felt a bit dead, so once again I was tasked with finding a wallpaper that was organic and fluid so that it contrasted against the linear brick tile, but not too traditional like most florals. As you know, I’m a massive fan of the Raphael pattern for this exact reason – it has this beautiful movement without it being too busy or bold. The large scale of it works so well with smaller tiles, and the white grout pulled so well with the white background. It also felt very Oregon to me – what with the trees and such. Yes, we see it a lot these days, but I enjoy seeing it every single time.

The variation in the tile color is so pretty (with many shaky edges – so make sure you are up for that look). It’s just such a deep, rich green with a lot of high gloss texture.

Can’t forget the toilet :) There was enough room for a little side table, which I was on the fence about, but the gap was big, so we added it, and it looked cute.

I went to my inventory of art and found that I had two more of these MaryAnn Puls pieces (I had bought and framed a bunch for my team holiday present years ago, and had a couple left over). They felt like a sweet moment in here and brought in that hit of warmth with the wood that was echoed with the stool and the wooden arch sculptures (which I bought on Amazon, last minute, LOL).

She’s pretty dang cute and a fun punch for guests upon arrival. Actually, my whole family is coming over tonight to Ken’s for a BBQ to get a full updated tour now that it’s all decorated, which I’m super excited about. Last bathroom done!!! Don’t worry, we still have like 6 more rooms to reveal (I love them all SOOO MUCH), so stay tuned. The river house project is truly never-ending :)

I Spent a Month Traveling in Europe, and This Crossbody Fit My Wallet, Umbrella, Water Bottle, Charger, and More

I tend to spend the entire day on the go when I’m traveling. I just got back from a month in Madrid, and basically every day’s itinerary went something like: museum, cathedral, shopping, and copious amounts of walking. When spending almost the whole day out and about, I like to make sure I have everything I could possibly need with me, so I turned to this surprisingly spacious Uniqlo bag. Trust me, you need the $20 purse for your upcoming spring and summer vacations. You know that scene in Harry Potter where Hermione reaches her entire arm into her clutch and pulls out clothing for three people? That’s how it feels using this bag. It’s compact, but it fits a ton. I put my wallet, phone, keys, sunglasses, umbrella, water bottle, chapstick, hand sanitizer, hand wipes, headache medicines, portable charger, tissues, and airpods (and probably a few other things I’m forgetting) in the purse. Uniqlo Round Mini Shoulder Bag While the bag can fit a lot inside, it folds flat for storage when not in use. It took up next to no room in my carry-on suitcase for the flights to and from Spain. Thanks to the purse’s water-repellent nylon material, you don’t have to worry about getting caught in the rain without an umbrella. Plus, it’s super easy to clean if anything spills on it. The bag zips closed on top to keep everything safely inside and has interior pockets to contain small items. Aside from its large capacity, my favorite aspect of the purse is that it’s a crossbody. I can keep it close to my body while doing touristy things to avoid pickpockets, which is important when traveling abroad. You can also shorten the strap to wear it on your shoulder if you want to change up your look. I’m not the only one who’s impressed with how much the small bag can hold. One reviewer said, “I put all our family’s passports, my iPhone, wipes, tissues, sunglasses, gum, lip balm, face powder, and sunscreen in it during our two weeks trip in Europe. It has been a lifesaver, easy, and safe!” And the Uniqlo purse has even gone viral recently, with one TikToker packing three days’ worth of clothing and toiletries in it. Grab the Uniqlo bag to use for your next trip or just on a daily basis for running errands. You’ll find more similar styles to shop below, too. Uniqlo Round Mini Shoulder Bag in Gingham Uniqlo Shoulder Bag Uniqlo Round Ultra Mini Bag Baggu Medium Nylon Crescent Bag Away Featherlight Crossbody

Fix It Friday: It’s Time To Refresh Some Real-Life Bathrooms For Peak Enjoyment (NO RENO ALLOWED)

The other month my dear friend asked if I could help her with her vanity/bathroom area. It wasn’t bad but it was feeling a little lifeless. She lives in a rental so obviously there was only so much we could do and the budget also had a limit:) And let me tell you, it never ceases to amaze me what some elbow grease, a fresh coat of paint, and a few new decor pieces can do to a room. She’s so happy now! So when I was thinking about the next “Fix it Friday” prompt I was already in the bathroom refresh mindset. And truly the bathroom is a place I don’t think we realize how much time we spend in. It makes a WORLD of difference if you feel at ease and maybe even a little pampered by your surroundings. But just to be clear, this post is all about working with what you have in terms of hard materials. No one is going to be asked to retile! So before I help out some real-life readers with their “in need” bathrooms, I have a few pretty incredible examples from other designers who refreshed instead of remodeled… First up is our very own EHD alum, Sara Ligorria Tramp, and the refresh she gave to her parents’ bathroom. As you can see all of the tile, fixtures, and vanity didn’t get touched. But a lighter green paint color, new sconces, a new shower curtain, and some general decluttering made this bathroom look BRAND NEW!! How happy yet peaceful does this space feel now? Then designer/homeowner, Alison Pierce, decided to embrace her amazing colorful vintage tiles and lean in hard! It may seem counterintuitive to go bolder in an already bold space, but matching the color intensity of these tiles lowered the contrast making the overall design easier on the eyes. Look, both of these beautiful bathrooms definitely still pack a visual punch but in the best and most balanced way. But sadly not all of us have amazing vintage tile to play off of so here are some general NO DEMO things you can do to make your bathroom feel a bit better/updated and more cohesive: DECLUTTER/get rid of what you don’t use (if you just do this I promise you’ll feel better) Consider some closed storage to quiet the visual chaos Paint or wallpaper the walls Paint or restain your cabinets Change out hardware (pulls, knobs, towel rings, towel bars, hooks, etc) Hang shelves Get a new rug Get new towels Change the lighting Switch out your vanity mirror (if possible) Get a new faucet (but maybe have a pro install that one:)) Hang some art (yes, your bathroom deserves pretty stuff too!) Good smells are important so get a candle or diffuser you love As I said, these are just some ideas! Julie (above!) and Mallory also designed incredible rental bathrooms if you want to get even more inspired. So while you don’t need to do a lot to make a big difference, here are some readers submitted bathrooms, in need of some love, that I am going to try to give helpful advice to. Let’s go! An Early ’00s Neutral Upgrade Let’s start on the easier side, shall we? There is a near-perfect bathroom under some of these slightly outdated design elements. But also it’s pretty beautiful as is. Regardless, this reader wants a refresh so that is what she’s going to get. Here’s what she asked for: “I saw the post about a bathroom refresh! Would love to update this and make it more my style, but don’t know where to start! I feel like it needs a paint refresh (cabinets and walls), lighting change +/- mirrors, and maybe wallpaper?” Not a problem! Now I think if she just swapped the mirrors and lights for something a little less…ornate and gave the walls a happier creamy white color, she could call it a day! But obviously, I wanted to give her “a few more” suggestions because this is what I love to do:) Some new hardware and towel ring (in the same metal finish) would also really change the feel. Swapping in a bigger tray on the vanity will look more intentional. Her other vanity decor pieces are cute so those can stay! And while I totally get having your more colorful things on a vanity like hairbrushes and toothpaste bottles, if those can easily be tucked away in a top drawer that will help to keep the color palette more consistent and calmer to the eye. But look, NO judgment! Not everything needs to be “aesthetic” 24/7 because life comes first. However, this is a design blog so it’s just a little suggestion. Man, that tub looks amazing! However, this area could use just a little design love. Let’s first get some art (one large piece or a little gallery) or floating shelves on that empty wall. Then let’s give some new styling life to the ledge. I really love the pieces I found and can’t wait for you all to see. And while new towels aren’t necessary, with the color palette I chose below, I think something a little softer in tone would look pretty nice. The tub tray and cute laundry baskets stay! Here it is! As always, any wall color I choose is a general suggestion. Always test out paint colors in the space to see how they actually look in person. But I do think a creamy white (one that contrasts enough with the white on the cabinets) would look so pretty. Sometimes those taupey greys can weigh down a room when it’s on the walls. I also decided to go with a paint color instead of wallpaper because the floors already have so much pattern with the darker marbling that I think a wallpaper might compete too much. Then I chose a simple but classic vanity mirror option (under $150 each!) that will immediately make the space look and feel more elevated. The lights on the other hand are more expensive but the opal glass shades are STUNNING and are pieces you keep forever even if you move. I decided to go with a matte black finish instead of brass because A. I didn’t know if the different brass finishes (mirror and light fixture) would work together and B. peppering black around the space will make it look a little more grounded and balanced. And because I chose black for the lights, I decided the towel ring, towel bar, and cabinet hardware should also be matte black. Speaking of hardware, I just love these knurled pulls and knobs! Modern, elegant, and fun. Then to finish off the vanity side of the bathroom, I LOVE that wooden tray from H&M which seems a bit bigger than the one that’s there and also keeps a dark tone to the countertop to balance out all the matte black. I am a big ole fan of a long runner in front of a double sink. This one from CB2 is vintage-inspired, the colors are beautiful and forgiving, and the fringe gives it a little extra personality. Onto the tub side, I chose this big art piece from Target that works so perfectly with the other colors in the space. Then on the ledge, I do think a vase with a bit more of an interesting shape with a big branch or two would be sooooo pretty! I love this vase/jug so much because the texture is so good and those curves are to die for. Plus it’s 14″ tall so its got some good height on it. Then I think if some of those products in the tray they have could be decanted into canisters like these it would be a real chef’s kiss. I think choosing glass for those nice contrasts with the terra cotta of the vase. Oh, and a candle is a MUST and why not have it also be a beautiful piece of art? I have this candle and love it! 10/10. And finally, since we’re here, I think a lighter bath mat (this light taupe tone is kinda perfect) would look so pretty and those light green waffle towels that Emily AND Arlyn have are a nicer color with the overall design…plus the texture is beautiful too:) Giving Power To The Powder Bath We always think having a little “fun” with your powder bathroom design is the way to go and this reader already had their eyes set on dark blue but was second-guessing her ideas… “My home’s powder bathroom urgently needs design attention, and I would love your help! The sticking point for me is how to bring color into a small room with no natural light. I tested Benjamin Moore’s Van Deusen Blue on the walls. I love the color, but I grew concerned that it was too dark for a space without a window. The style of the house is NW modern. Our budget is about 2 thousand dollars for a new mirror, light fixture, hardware, small storage solution, and decor. Please let me know if you have any questions. Thank you for your consideration!” Actually going dark in an already dark space is something we almost always recommend so it’s a big YES to the dark blue walls. Wanna see what else I’m thinking. Aside from the paint, mirror, light, and some hardware there’s not much else they need. Just a few more decor pieces and maybe a new faucet if they felt like switching things up. I definitely leaned into the modern PWN style they said they have so here we go! Modern PNW to me translates often to darker tones and midcentury modern design. And since Schoolhouse is a PNW company (Portland) I went there first and found the prettiest light fixture (amongst other things)! I love it so much but since I don’t have the bathroom measurements I’m hoping that this light/mirror combo works together. I think a little overlap would be so sick. Oh and how good is that Target mirror? Only $70! And staying with the vanity, if they want I do love the idea of mixing metals and bringing in a little brass faucet. Then I went with matte black for the towel ring and toilet paper holder (which are only $16 each, WILD) to blend into the blue walls a bit. But of course, I wanted to bring in a little color and texture so that waffle hand towel adds such a fun but cool pop, and how amazing is that bath mat?! I love that it’s a brighter blue than the walls and has a pattern, adding some dimension and a tonal vibe. And is it even a PNW room if something isn’t dark green? That little trash can is so cute and has the prettiest tone. Ok, back to the walls. Let’s start over the toilet with the piece of art by Jordan Sullivan. I love his work so much and this photograph brings in so much movement and a beautiful, happy, contrasting color. It livens the whole design up. It’s not cheap but it’s a limited-run print and so special. The reader also asked for some storage and I found this awesome wall cabinet from ferm Living. It’s simple but detailed and very slim so I think it will work perfectly hung on the wall across from the toilet. And finally, I couldn’t not have something to put on top of the cabinet. That’s what the candle, matches, and book are for. The candle can sit on top of the book to one side and the match cloche can sit on the cabinet next to the book. I think that will look very cute but have fun and play around! P.S. We are over $100 under budget:) The Grain Is REAL When I first saw this bathroom I thought two things, 1. “Wow, that’s a LOT of grain” and 2. I really like those mouldings.” And if you know me then you know I love wood but this wood would require something special. Here’s what the reader sent in: “Hello!! We are trying to update our early 2000s built home. This is our master bedroom. I like a clean, classic look. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!” Ok! Sweet and simple and something I think I can handle:) The first order of business is the wood grain. I do love some grain, but given the intensity and the amount in this one space, I think that if the reader is up for it they should consider stripping and restaining all of this wood a really dark tone, masking a lot of the grain. That way they don’t have to cover that beautiful wood with paint and it saves them lots of money by not replacing them. I definitely don’t want to downplay the hours that this would take and that it would potentially drive them to curse my name every day until the end of time. BUT after they are done they will have stunning cabinets. Worth it?? Then if they were up for spending some money, honing those countertops would make them look nicer and more expensive. Not let’s talk walls. I think they should go for a white like Alabaster by Sherwin-Williams – bright with a hint of warmth so the room doesn’t feel too stark. Then those lights really need to be updated and that ceiling fan also could really use a modern makeover. The countertop could use some cute styling but I do love the plants in the shower! Oh, but all of the switchplate covers and hooks need to be updated, and let’s see if I can find a solution for the towel rings. Much to do so let’s get to it… Clean and pretty classic, right? So the biggest changes would be the wall color suggestion and the darker stain on the wood cabinets and trim. But switching up those old sconces with these stunning ones would be amazing! Just would want the reader to make sure they were long enough. And keep things golden, those switchplates need some love…or not. Get rid of them! These are all of our favorites so do with that what you will:) Another fun item I had to swap was that outdated ceiling fan! This one is simple, pretty, and has a brass detail to tie everything together. A super great thing about this bathroom is that the countertop is huge! That leaves room for almost any size of tray and I really love this beauty from Target. Then I chose that white vase and pretty candle. But since the countertop is so long I think that tall pitcher will look so great in the left corner. For some reason, I really wanted to keep the metals consistent in this bathroom so that very elegant towel holder, switchplates, and hook are all from Rejuvenation. Lastly, we have the textiles. I wanted to keep it super simple but really textured and the combo of these two I think looks great together and mesh really well with the space. Ok guys, it’s the freakin weekend now so I hope that this post inspired you a little to start to tackle a big or even small home project. And as always thank you to everyone that submitted!! Love you, mean it.

Our “Non Try-Hard” Ways To Feel Sexy – From 7 Different EHD Women

This post (and the upcoming Valentine’s Day) may as well be sponsored by Bridgerton. If you’ve watched it you’ll know what I’m talking about as all my girlfriends have expressed how it has positively affected their marriage (I espoused this a couple years with Outlander, as well). Listen, being quarantined we all know that keeping the spark up can be challenging – so much time together, in sweats, and if you have kids it’s even harder. Regardless of your relationship status, if you are looking for ways to feel more comfortable and sexy without the straps and cuffs (certainly no judgment here), then the EHD team has collected some ideas for you, from those of us who are comfortable enough/had something to share. And if the idea of this post makes you uncomfortable (or if you are our dads) just come back tomorrow – we think that normalizing female conversations around having a healthy sex life is a good thing, but I get that it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. I’ll go first. Pre-game Products I want to feel smooth and soft, so I normally use a dry brush to exfoliate then in the bath (I love this bubble bath after trying 16), I shave with this razor, I just got this waxing kit I’m going to try soon (I’m scared!) and then I use this lotion which smells SO GOOD. I also generally put on this tanning lotion (don’t forget the mitt) once a week in winter (more often in summer) to give me a bronz-ey glow that makes me feel good. But it does have that self-tan scent so I’d recommend applying it a day or two in advance then showering and putting on your scent. I also love putting this Aqua Parma on after that which gives a shimmer that is so pretty and subtle. Also a huge fan of Jo Malone bath oil. To Wear (Or Not To Wear) Besides the super special occasions (which are hard to do in Covid) I need to feel super comfortable. I just recently bought 3 pairs of the same pajamas (that I’ve been raving about for over a year) because they are so thin, SO soft, and cozy (HOT TIP – the fabric ‘modal’ is what I look for now). And while I think that no Cis male (or any male) would consider those “sexy”, per se, they are so thin and soft and cut in NOwhere (and easily come off), so for the less suspecting/planned nights, these are great. But for Valentine’s day (and for this post) I did a LOT of shopping online and found so few that I felt were flattering and yet comfortable and “me”. If you want to know what I bought and kept – what I found comfortable (I can’t with the underwire right now) and flattering it’s THIS romper and this top and bottom set. I also love the lines of this set that looks soft and pretty that I ordered but haven’t received yet. The Shocking “Sleepwear” Winner Speaking of unsuspecting…last year I got a cami and underwear set in a swag bag from a press party and I only opened it a couple months ago. I quite literally couldn’t believe how soft, thin and forgiving they were. When I looked at who makes this magical set it said ‘Jockey’ and I was like ‘well surely this is a collaboration with Goop or Doen or something’ but nope. They are REALLY thin, stretchy, and soft (not tight AT ALL, but not baggy – I don’t get it). I bought 3 sets and they feel like soft naked butter on your skin – Brian LOVES them despite how boring they are. AND they stay put! It’s not like they are so loose that they ride up, they are just so comfortable you don’t notice them in any way. Not too loose, not too tight – the sisterhood of the traveling cami set for all of us. To Set The Mood Bedding: Brooklinen percale sheets and duvet are my normal crisp, cool, and super soft go-to. I recently tried Buffy eucalyptus duvet and insert are both super comfortable if not more slick (not satin, but definitely more slick if that makes sense). And if you like the linen feel EHD loves the Casaluna line (but Brian prefers percale over linen). Candles: I keep one of these on my bath tray and light it every time I bathe (far more frequently than ever before) and then another on my nightstand. I like that there’s 3 wicks and they smell so good. Books: I’ve been reading steamy romance novels since I was 11 so I’m quite experienced in this. Most of my friends (including myself) enjoyed The Wedding Date series, and if you are bored and haven’t read 50 Shades, well, I’ll see you in 2 weeks when you come up for air. From Arlyn: Nars Velvet Matte Lipstick Pencil in Cruella: It might be a bit silly to slather on lipstick for myself and my four walls (well, and my husband), but I did this a few weeks ago and felt more myself than I have in 10 months. I felt powerful, confident, sexy. Cruella has been “my” color for the better part of seven years, and on days where I feel plain and meh, it sets me right. This bra + these underwear: Challenge: Wear a set of matching bra and undies and just try not to feel like a superhero. Just try…YOU CAN’T. This is my #1 “sexy” trick, whether for myself or for my marriage. The set doesn’t even have to be particularly scandalous or risque. Just the fact that you’re pulled together enough to have a bra and a pair of underwater that match that are clean at the same time, well…that’d get anyone to feel themselves, amiright? Bonus points if there’s a cheeky cut or some lace involved. Glossier You fragrance: I’m sure I’m not the only one here listing perfume. It’s low-hanging fruit, but that fruit hangs low for a reason. I used to be a daily spritzer, you know, pre-hermit Arlyn was at least. And recently, I eyed a bottle of one of my favorite fragrances right now and said “what the heck” and spritzed myself happy. Even if it’s just for you, what reason do you have to not smell good for yourself? Self-care baby. However, if you do have a partner, don’t be surprised if you walk past the room they’re in, and their legs involuntarily stand them up to follow you wherever you’re going, hypnotized…it smells that good. From Ajai: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Cleansing Towelettes: If I can be candid about the situation, after having a child, personal hygiene can be tough to maintain. Handling a newborn makes me forget what day it is and if I took a shower, so these hydro boost cleansing towelettes have really come in handy. If my face and neck get sweaty throughout the day I love whipping these babies out. I can even use them to wipe off the breast milk that lives everywhere on my skin. These towelettes leave my skin glowing – my husband compliments me after almost every use. I smell, feel, and look good (sexy) after I use them. Le Labo – Santal 26 Candle & Le Labo – Bergamot 22 Perfume: When I gave birth to our little one I had a c-section, so I’m not able to take baths to relax as I continue to heal. That said, scents have always been a big deal to me and I’ve been getting my fix with candles and perfumes. I love lighting my Santal 26 candle, in addition to (when I am able to take a shower) spraying on my Bergamote 22 perfume. Both of these scents make me feel so good, confident, and sexy. Sephora – Cream Lip Stain – 27 – Black Cherry: Nowadays, I love putting this on for zoom meetings and FaceTime calls with friends and family. This color makes me feel like a real boss-lady and a darn sexy mama. It’s very chic, perfect for fall and winter, and I get so many compliments on this color when I wear it. From Ryann: Oversized Button Up: This is going to sound pretty funny, but I recently bought a striped oversized men’s button up from Goodwill that’s super soft and comfy and turns out I feel effortlessly sexy in it. I’ve tried the lingerie thing and sure, it’s fun but sometimes it feels too performative and without a little liquid courage, it’s hard to not feel silly/self-conscious. So, a button-up with pretty underwear is my go-to and makes me feel cute and sexy. Body Scrub: This body scrub is nothing special or fancy, but I got it for Christmas and both my fiancé and I love how it smells plus it makes my skin feel really soft. For some reason, I am really lazy about putting body lotion on, but when I use this scrub I love following it up with body butter so I feel extra pampered. Parade Underwear: There’s a good reason this brand is all over Instagram. I have three pairs but I wish I had a hundred because they are so soft and comfortable and I think I feel best when I am just walking around my apartment in a little t-shirt and these undies. The mesh side detail is also very cute and sexy. From Rashida: Lately I’ve been retiring my natural curls for wand curls, and it’s created a new woman, a new identity that makes me feel very sexy. Package the wand curls with my favorite matte red lip, and my black squared neckline top, and you can’t tell me nothing!! From Mallory: Cowl Neck Top: If there’s one thing I LOVE this a cowl neck top. If you’re in my club, IBTC (itty-bitty-titty-committee) this one is for you. Wearing a big ol’ pushup bra can make me feel sexy but NOT wearing a bra can also make me feel sexy (plus it’s wayyy more comfortable). I love wearing cowl neck tops like this because they’re low-cut without being like uh your boobs are out PLUS the fit of the shirt automatically gives you extra zhuzh up top. I wear this all the time (even in Covid). Bra: On the flip side, a bra with some padding makes me feel sexy since it’s basically doubling the size of my ladies. This one from the one and only Victoria’s Secret is great because it comes in lots of colors and fits in the comfiest way (especially for a push up) From Sara: Multi Benne Stick: This lip stain from NOTO is a little dark, really soft, and kissable, and exactly what I swipe on for date nights. Stargazer Lily: Mac got me this perfume oil for my birthday this year, and I find myself rolling it on right before I get into bed all the time. It’s a really sensual, deep heady floral scent, but it’s not overwhelming. To me it smells like a humid summer night – think “The Notebook” Huggie Hoops: I bought these for myself a few months ago, and haven’t taken them off since. Wearing gold hoops makes me feel close to my mom, grandma, and female relatives in Guatemala (where my first pair of gold hoops were sent from as a baby gift when I was just 3 weeks old). A pair of gold hoops are a part of my daily armor, and make me feel very much myself. Well, there you have it. All the scents, intimates, clothing, jewelry, etc that make US feel good and sexy. What makes you feel good? There are no wrong answers and we’d love to know.

How to Pot a Germinated Date Seed the Right Way for Your Best Palm Ever

If you're a patient and adventurous gardener, why not grow a date palm (Phoenix canariensis) from seed? This slow-growing, evergreen palm is native to the Canary Islands and reaches 40 to 60 feet tall and 20 to 40 feet wide. If you're not in a tropical climate, it will be more compact if grown as a container plant that can summer outside on a patio and then be brought indoors when temperatures drop. Whether you are lucky enough to collect date palm seeds yourself or use seeds from ripe grocery store dates, we have all the information you need to germinate the seeds, pot them correctly, and grow a robust palm. Potting and Caring for Germinated Date Palm Seeds After your date palm seeds have germinated and begin to show tiny shoots above the potting soil, keep the soil evenly moist but not overly wet. Place the seedlings in a spot that receives bright sunlight for 6 to 8 hours per day. Wait until the seedling is at least three inches high with at least two sets of leaves before moving it to a larger pot. Pick a container. Select a container that is four to six inches in diameter with good drainage holes. Date palms prefer to be slightly rootbound for optimum growth so start with a small container after germination. Fill with soil. Fill the container about one-third full with nutrient-rich, loamy soil. Remove the germinated seed. Use a large spoon or garden trowel to gently lift the root ball of the germinated palm seed. Place the seed in soil. Place the palm in the container and fill it with soil tamping it down lightly to get rid of any air pockets. Water. Water the palm well until water drains from the bottom. Do not leave it sitting in a saucer of water. Move it to an ideal location. Place the palm in a brightly lit, warm spot (around 75°F) to recover from the shock of transplanting. The palm can be kept inside or outside depending on your hardiness zone and time of year. Always Start With a Container If you plan to plant the palm in your garden, it is still best to transplant germinated seeds into a container. Horticulturists recommend waiting until a date palm is around five feet tall before transplanting outside.1 Want more gardening tips? Sign up for our free gardening newsletter for our best growing tips, troubleshooting hacks, and more! How to Care for a Date Palm Give a container or garden-planted date palm six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day. Young palms should be watered at least weekly to keep the soil moist to encourage growth.2 Phoenix canariensis. North Carolina State University Extension Plant Toolbox. Once established, the palm will be more drought-tolerant. Potted palms will require more frequent watering, and drainage is important because standing water can cause root rot. When planting or potting, use a nutrient-rich, loose, loamy soil. Established date palms in the garden should be fertilized in early spring and again in mid-summer with a slow-release fertilizer that is high in potassium. Follow the label directions for the amount to use based on the size of the tree. Repot a date palm only when roots are visible through the drainage holes. Spring or early summer are the optimum times to repot because the temperatures are warmer and humidity is higher. Select a new container that is 2 inches wider and deeper. Gently remove the root ball from the container to prevent damaging the roots. Add fresh soil to the new container, place the palm, gently tamp down the soil, and water thoroughly. Date palms require little pruning except to remove dead or damaged fronds. Once the tree reaches maturity, suckers will grow from the base of the tree and should be removed. Once the tree begins to bear fruit, harvest the ripe dates so new clusters will have room to form. How to Germinate a Date Seed Separate the seed from the flesh of a ripe date. Place the seed in cool water and soak for at least 24 hours. Discard the seed if it floats to the top. Fill a small container with a seed-starting mix and moisten the soil. Press the seed into the soil until it is barely covered with soil. Place the container in a warm spot with bright light. Keep the soil moist by placing a glass jar or plastic bag over the container until germination occurs. The seed should germinate in about one month, at which point they should be potted.